Two Dead in Tragic Moorland Plane Crash Near Rochdale
A devastating aircraft accident has claimed the lives of two men after their light aircraft plummeted into moorland near Littleborough, prompting a comprehensive investigation by aviation authorities and local police.
The Cirrus SR20 light aircraft crashed on farmland between Blackstone Edge and Hollingworth Lake on Tuesday morning, with emergency services receiving the first call at approximately 11am. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, with no reported injuries on the ground.
Swift Emergency Response
Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale, described the incident as a "truly awful tragedy" whilst praising the professionalism of our emergency services. The swift response from Greater Manchester Police, fire services, and paramedics demonstrated the calibre of Britain's first responders in times of crisis.
"This is a truly awful tragedy and my thoughts are with the two men's families and friends," Mr Waugh stated. "I want to thank all the emergency services who attended the scene and are working to gather evidence."
Aircraft Safety Systems
The Cirrus SR20 is equipped with a sophisticated Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a ballistic recovery system designed to lower the entire aircraft safely to the ground in emergency situations. A parachute was observed caught on an electricity pylon near the crash site, suggesting the safety system had been deployed.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates the aircraft departed Birmingham Airport's XLR Executive Jet Centre just before 10am, with the final signal received approximately 40 minutes later near Marsden, West Yorkshire.
Community Response
The close-knit communities of Littleborough and Rochdale have rallied together in the wake of this tragedy. Local residents expressed their profound sadness, with community leaders emphasising the strength found in British values of mutual support during difficult times.
"Our community is deeply saddened by the tragic small plane crash," read a statement from local community groups. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the two people who lost their lives."
Investigation Underway
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying a multidisciplinary team of inspectors to the crash site. This thorough approach reflects Britain's commitment to aviation safety and accountability.
Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis from Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale division confirmed that investigators would maintain an enhanced presence at the scene. "We have been working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies throughout the day to establish the full circumstances," he stated.
The bodies of both men were discovered by emergency services upon arrival, though formal identification procedures are yet to be completed. Ages and identities have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Authorities are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have observed the aircraft's final moments or have relevant information about the incident.